FIFA Club World Cup Picks & Predictions (6/23): Groups A and B Wrap Up

We’ve reached our final set of Group Stage matches in the FIFA Club World Cup, as Groups A and B find out who tops the table today. With four contests on the slate, our soccer experts dove in and found their favorite picks on the betting board.

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FIFA Club World Cup: Monday’s Predictions June 23

Group A Analysis

Group A is very much up for grabs. Palmeiras and Inter Miami both have four points, while FC Porto and Al Ahly only have two. Later this evening, both matches kick off at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, with the two group leaders facing off. Palmeiras will top the group with a draw, as they lead Inter Miami by one on goal differential. A draw would also ensure Miami advance to the Round of 16.

FC Porto would need to win themselves and cheer for Inter Miami. This would put Porto tied with Palmeiras at four points apiece, and after their draw, it would come down to goal differential. Al Ahly also needs a win, but they would be rooting for Palmeiras. A win for the Egyptian side and an Inter Miami loss leaves them both tied at four points as well, with a head-to-head draw.

Group A could be anyone’s to grab, and I expect every squad to come with full motivation tonight.

Group B Analysis

Group B is slightly more decided. Botafogo has two wins under their belt, topping the table with six points. Paris-Saint Germain and Atlético Madrid both have three points, but PSG has the advantage after beating the Spanish squad, 4-0. The Seattle Sounders bring up the rear with two losses and no points, eliminating them from advancing.

PSG faces this unmotivated Sounders squad, not knowing if one point will be enough to advance. The UCL Champions should look to ensure three points, guaranteeing they advance regardless of the other result, but with the lines the way they are, I’ll be staying off. Botafogo has punched their ticket to the Round of 16, but they need at least one point tonight to guarantee they top the group. Atletico Madrid would only advance if they win and PSG draws or loses, which would leave the Spaniards in first place.

Things are bleak for Atlético, but maybe they get some help from the Sounders this afternoon.

Atlético Madrid vs. Botafogo: Club World Cup Best Bets

Best Bet: Botafogo +0.5 (+130) Bovada

Here we go again with another double chance wager. For this price, I’ll back the team that’s looked best in the group. The Brazilian side made easy work of the Sounders, allowing a late concession goal and then shutout the UCL Champions. All they need is a draw to ensure they top the group. Atlético Madrid did not look good at all against PSG, sure they bounced back against Seattle, but I’ve been very impressed with the South American squads in this tournament.

Botafogo is not going to roll over and die. They will not leave anything up to chance. Go out, get the win (or draw) and ensure you win Group B. For this price, this is a no-brainer. If you want a little more cushion, you can find Botafogo +1 (-125) as well. Here you still have our double chance to win, but you also get away with a push if they lose by one. The choice is yours, but I’ll go plus money on the +0.5.

This total being set at 2.5 already lets us know this game will be low scoring. Botafogo will play this match exactly as they did against PSG. They braced for the attack they knew was coming, and took advantage of the minimal offensive opportunities they had. This afternoon I see them controlling the match and finding a way to win.

Prediction: Botafogo Wins 1-0 (+1400)

FC Porto vs. Al Ahly: Club World Cup Best Bets

Best Bet: Under 3 (-108) Bovada

FC Porto desperately needs a win, but Al Ahly has been rock solid on the back line. The Egyptian side held Inter Miami scoreless in the opener, and only allowed one shot on goal to Palmeiras in their 2-0 loss (one own goal). Al Ahly dominated over 65% of possession in that contest, but failed to produce much offensively.

Porto is a big favorite in this match for good reason, they are the better team on paper. However, they were on their heels for the entire 90 minutes against Palmeiras in their scoreless draw, and only scored on Inter Miami on an 8′ minute penalty, where they were unable to defend the lead and lost.

While I do think FC Porto ends up on top, I don’t see Al Ahly contributing to the total, and see their defense holding strong for most of the match. Get ready for a boring contest.

Prediction: FC Porto Wins 1-0 (+850)

Palmeiras vs. Inter Miami: Club World Cup Best Bets

Best Bet: Under 2.5 (-121) BetOnline

Here come the No Fun Police because I’ve got another under. Look, both of these teams advance with a draw. If they made one pass and played patty-cake for the rest of the match, these teams would represent the group next round.

Palmerias is on top with a one goal lead on goal differential, so a draw ensures they top the group. I expect the Brazilian squad to play their style of soccer regardless of the situation. They will attack, attack, attack, but they’ll also need to defend. Inter Miami’s only shot at winning the group is winning this game and jumping their opponent. Things could also get tricky for them if Al Ahly pull off a miraculous victory, so while Inter Miami will try and score, they’ll be more concerned with not losing.

Therefore, I expect Miami to have extra defensive tendencies throughout the match, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Messi sits. He’s ran around for all 90 minutes in both previous matches, so resting tonight would give him an extended break going into the Round of 16. Plus, Inter Miami could be okay with finishing second in the group with a draw tonight.

Second place would mean they likely face Botafogo in the Round of 16, whereas topping the group likely pairs them against PSG. No one will bat an eye if Miami plays a little extra defensive tonight, resulting in a scoreless draw.

Prediction: 0-0 Draw (+700)

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